This enterprising maker bought an el cheapo sewing machine and added a heavier-duty DC motor and a Parallax Propeller microcontroller. With the new motor, the MCU, a motor controller, and some sensors, this cheap machine acquires all sorts of high-end control and sewing features.

Gareth Branwyn is a freelancer writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor for Boing Boing and WINK Books. And he has a new best-of writing collection and “lazy man’s memoir,” called Borg Like Me.

Saint

I wonder if adding some gear reduction gears would be beneficial, as to it would increase the torque at lower speeds. I guess it would depend on what it is you’re trying to accomplish, what you’re sewing through, and if you care about overall speed

gekizai

Is there any chance you will add an X-Y table and go for full CNC embroidery?